Places we stayed in Costa Rica. Rants and Raves
Jan 29th, 2004, 01:14 PM
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Places we stayed in Costa Rica. Rants and Raves
We just returned from our second trip to Costa Rica. We stayed in five different places and I would like to post a short review each of them but not all of them are listed in the section of rants and raves. Is there any way to add new places to those already listed?
To anyone interested we stayed in
1. Courtyard
2. Savegre Hotel
3. Wilson Botanical Garden
4. Bosque de Rio Tigre
5. El Remanso
To anyone interested we stayed in
1. Courtyard
2. Savegre Hotel
3. Wilson Botanical Garden
4. Bosque de Rio Tigre
5. El Remanso
Jan 29th, 2004, 04:19 PM
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Hi, Wildflower! I am very interested in your opinions about Bosque del Rio Tigre and El Remanso. Aren't these two in the same general area? Did you see more wildlife and enjoy better tours at either one?
Is Savegre Hotel the one in San Gerardo de Dota? We are strongly considering a stop there on the way to the Osa. Thanks!
Is Savegre Hotel the one in San Gerardo de Dota? We are strongly considering a stop there on the way to the Osa. Thanks!
Jan 29th, 2004, 04:26 PM
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Hi,
I am curious about your thoughts on Wilson. We were there about 3-4 years ago. They put us in one of the research bunk houses where we had to go outside to get to the bathroom and we had to sleep in bunk beds. We thought we were getting one of the nice little bungalows. We just left and found a hotel in San Vito. The last night we were there we could have our bungalow. We said no and just went to Wilson as day trips. Still paid for it though. We found the feeder stations fascinating and the gardens pretty interesting. We took a walk in the morning and ended up on the old farm trail that goes up and down mountains and ends up just about in San Vito. We were so far from the gardens we had to take a taxi back once we found civilization again.
I am curious about your thoughts on Wilson. We were there about 3-4 years ago. They put us in one of the research bunk houses where we had to go outside to get to the bathroom and we had to sleep in bunk beds. We thought we were getting one of the nice little bungalows. We just left and found a hotel in San Vito. The last night we were there we could have our bungalow. We said no and just went to Wilson as day trips. Still paid for it though. We found the feeder stations fascinating and the gardens pretty interesting. We took a walk in the morning and ended up on the old farm trail that goes up and down mountains and ends up just about in San Vito. We were so far from the gardens we had to take a taxi back once we found civilization again.
Jan 30th, 2004, 05:11 AM
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Courtyard - January 2004
We spent there the first and last nights of our visit in Costa Rica.
Free shuttle to the international airport every hour on the hour.
Nice big room. Great king size bed with firm comfortable mattress. Nice view from the little balcony. Surprisingly we had a good inexpensive meal with delicious asparagus soup.
Wonderful helpful gracious and smiling staff.
Luggage storage.
Small but pleasant swimming pool.
Fast Internet access - Half hour $5.00 or 1 hour $8.00
Payment- no deposit but credit card information.
Value- very good.
Savegre Hotel- January 2002 and January 2004.
Above average food. Wide variety of choices from the menu or generous buffet when there is a full house.
Clean, simple cabins, with electric heaters which are needed in the evening and at night as the lodge is located at over 7000 feet elevation.
Well maintained gardens, park and trails leading to impressive Primary Cloud Forest. Trout fishing on the property.
Timely reliable and comfortable transfer to/from the lodge. Only 2 hours from San Jose on the two lane highway then 7 miles down the valley on decent road as comparing to other roads in Costa Rica particularly to those on Osa Peninsula.
Exceptional staff.
Superior birding and excellent bird guides
Access to internet US $2.00 per hour.
No deposit required but credit card information. Payment with credit card.
Would return for the third visit.
Very good value.
Wilson Botanical Garden- January 2004.
Family style very good food. Cabins average with very thin walls but satisfactory and in a nice setting with views of the trees with many birds. Fascinating birds at the feeders near the dining room Many walking trails but majority of them were difficult due to rain every afternoon.
Plenty of hot water but there was no instruction how the hot water shower head works.
Absent staff, couldn?t find anyone for two days. We got keys and literature from the guard at the gate.
52 km of potholes leading to the Garden.
Bird guide not very enthusiastic, average.
No deposit needed but credit card information was requested.
Good value.
Bosque del Rio Tigre- January 2004
Outstanding food. Lots of fresh fruits and salads. Great banana pancakes one morning.
Accommodation in the small but functional cabin. Truly jungle setting. Wonderful sheets. Very clean. Spotless. Everything beautifully organized. Creative staff in regard to our cabin and food served. Lots of attention given to us by both owners and staff. We were only two guests during our four nights/five days stay.
Guides excellent. Plentiful birds including dancing Orange Collar Manakins, Turquoise Cotingas ( a few) and Yellow-Billed Cotingas (many).
Access- long, full of potholes road included river crossings and driving on river bed.
Would return.
Deposit 25% paid with personal check and balance paid with travelers checks.
Very good value.
El Remanso - January 2004
Food very disappointing.
Both owners left for a whole day without making any arrangements for us in case of emergency. No telephone, no radio access.
We were only two guests in the lodge.
Nice two-story cabin, completely open with the above average view of the ocean. Mattresses and pillows extremely hard even for us who like firm mattresses. Cheap and worn sheets. Nice towels. Very high humidity.
Some wildlife from the property with unique sightings of White Crested Coquette and Scarlet Macaws. Bird guide inadequate arrived over one hour late but spoke good English.
Cleanliness highly variable.
Access-long drive, the worst road in Costa Rica so far. Payment 50% with personal check. Balance paid with Travelers checks.
Value- mediocre.
Lapa Rios- January 2002
Very good food but coffee non-drinkers were charged $2.00 for hot chocolate. Nice cabin #2 with gorgeous view but located too close to the road.
Plentiful wildlife with a great observation tower platform high above the restaurant. Inadequate guide.
Clean.
Very personal staff except manager.
Access- the same road as to El Remanso but slightly shorter.
Payment with personal check far in advance.
Value-too expensive for what we got.
Trapp Family Lodge- January 2002
Great location next to Monteverde Park.
Food awful, unacceptable.
Unclean.
Staff- unhelpful with rude manager/owner.
No wildlife visible from the lodge.
Access- Our first bumpy road in Costa Rica.
Would never return.
Payment with Travelers checks. Cannot recall whether deposit was required.
Value- inexpensive but still very low.
Vista del Valle - January 2002
Stayed in four different cabins. All wonderful. Good although expensive food. Only breakfast included with accommodation. Great and helpful staff. Stored luggage for us.
Lots of birds.
Would return.
Access- short easy 20-30 minutes transfer from the international airport.
Payment with credit card
Value - expensive but this is such lovely place.
We spent there the first and last nights of our visit in Costa Rica.
Free shuttle to the international airport every hour on the hour.
Nice big room. Great king size bed with firm comfortable mattress. Nice view from the little balcony. Surprisingly we had a good inexpensive meal with delicious asparagus soup.
Wonderful helpful gracious and smiling staff.
Luggage storage.
Small but pleasant swimming pool.
Fast Internet access - Half hour $5.00 or 1 hour $8.00
Payment- no deposit but credit card information.
Value- very good.
Savegre Hotel- January 2002 and January 2004.
Above average food. Wide variety of choices from the menu or generous buffet when there is a full house.
Clean, simple cabins, with electric heaters which are needed in the evening and at night as the lodge is located at over 7000 feet elevation.
Well maintained gardens, park and trails leading to impressive Primary Cloud Forest. Trout fishing on the property.
Timely reliable and comfortable transfer to/from the lodge. Only 2 hours from San Jose on the two lane highway then 7 miles down the valley on decent road as comparing to other roads in Costa Rica particularly to those on Osa Peninsula.
Exceptional staff.
Superior birding and excellent bird guides
Access to internet US $2.00 per hour.
No deposit required but credit card information. Payment with credit card.
Would return for the third visit.
Very good value.
Wilson Botanical Garden- January 2004.
Family style very good food. Cabins average with very thin walls but satisfactory and in a nice setting with views of the trees with many birds. Fascinating birds at the feeders near the dining room Many walking trails but majority of them were difficult due to rain every afternoon.
Plenty of hot water but there was no instruction how the hot water shower head works.
Absent staff, couldn?t find anyone for two days. We got keys and literature from the guard at the gate.
52 km of potholes leading to the Garden.
Bird guide not very enthusiastic, average.
No deposit needed but credit card information was requested.
Good value.
Bosque del Rio Tigre- January 2004
Outstanding food. Lots of fresh fruits and salads. Great banana pancakes one morning.
Accommodation in the small but functional cabin. Truly jungle setting. Wonderful sheets. Very clean. Spotless. Everything beautifully organized. Creative staff in regard to our cabin and food served. Lots of attention given to us by both owners and staff. We were only two guests during our four nights/five days stay.
Guides excellent. Plentiful birds including dancing Orange Collar Manakins, Turquoise Cotingas ( a few) and Yellow-Billed Cotingas (many).
Access- long, full of potholes road included river crossings and driving on river bed.
Would return.
Deposit 25% paid with personal check and balance paid with travelers checks.
Very good value.
El Remanso - January 2004
Food very disappointing.
Both owners left for a whole day without making any arrangements for us in case of emergency. No telephone, no radio access.
We were only two guests in the lodge.
Nice two-story cabin, completely open with the above average view of the ocean. Mattresses and pillows extremely hard even for us who like firm mattresses. Cheap and worn sheets. Nice towels. Very high humidity.
Some wildlife from the property with unique sightings of White Crested Coquette and Scarlet Macaws. Bird guide inadequate arrived over one hour late but spoke good English.
Cleanliness highly variable.
Access-long drive, the worst road in Costa Rica so far. Payment 50% with personal check. Balance paid with Travelers checks.
Value- mediocre.
Lapa Rios- January 2002
Very good food but coffee non-drinkers were charged $2.00 for hot chocolate. Nice cabin #2 with gorgeous view but located too close to the road.
Plentiful wildlife with a great observation tower platform high above the restaurant. Inadequate guide.
Clean.
Very personal staff except manager.
Access- the same road as to El Remanso but slightly shorter.
Payment with personal check far in advance.
Value-too expensive for what we got.
Trapp Family Lodge- January 2002
Great location next to Monteverde Park.
Food awful, unacceptable.
Unclean.
Staff- unhelpful with rude manager/owner.
No wildlife visible from the lodge.
Access- Our first bumpy road in Costa Rica.
Would never return.
Payment with Travelers checks. Cannot recall whether deposit was required.
Value- inexpensive but still very low.
Vista del Valle - January 2002
Stayed in four different cabins. All wonderful. Good although expensive food. Only breakfast included with accommodation. Great and helpful staff. Stored luggage for us.
Lots of birds.
Would return.
Access- short easy 20-30 minutes transfer from the international airport.
Payment with credit card
Value - expensive but this is such lovely place.
Jan 30th, 2004, 05:36 AM
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Suzie, Molly, and Fluffnfold did I answer your questions? Please ask if you have any more I will be happy to answer. It was only our second visit to Costa Rica but we are already planning the next.
Molly, Savegre is the one in San Gerardo area. Bring worm clothes and book your bird guide in advance if you are interested in bird watching.
Both, El Remanso and Bosque del Rio Tigre are located on Osa Peninsula.
Suzie, we had some great birds at Wilson.
Molly, Savegre is the one in San Gerardo area. Bring worm clothes and book your bird guide in advance if you are interested in bird watching.
Both, El Remanso and Bosque del Rio Tigre are located on Osa Peninsula.
Suzie, we had some great birds at Wilson.
Jan 30th, 2004, 05:44 AM
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I have been wanting to stay at Bosque del rio Tigre for awhile now so am thrilled that I am going, particularly after reading your review. I can't believe you saw all those cotingas!!!! Have only seen the turquois once (Lapa Rios) and the snowy once (La Selva).
There will only be one other couple while I am there.
Which guide did you use at Savegre?? Glad to hear they are doing well.
Sorry to hear about El Remanso. After talking to Belen last year about the coffee and breakfast out on the platform and other things I assumed they would have a good bird person there. I have only heard from one other person who stayed there and she loved it. She also loved Rara Avis which I though was a nightmare.
You and I both had disappointing trips to Wilson.
There will only be one other couple while I am there.
Which guide did you use at Savegre?? Glad to hear they are doing well.
Sorry to hear about El Remanso. After talking to Belen last year about the coffee and breakfast out on the platform and other things I assumed they would have a good bird person there. I have only heard from one other person who stayed there and she loved it. She also loved Rara Avis which I though was a nightmare.
You and I both had disappointing trips to Wilson.
Jan 30th, 2004, 07:05 AM
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Wildflower, your reviews were EXTREMELY helpful. Thank you! I think that Savegre Lodge is a must-stay. I especially appreciate your comments about the easy transfer, as one party on this forum had a bad experience with it.
Based on your comments, and the web site and guidebook descriptions, I am leaning seriously toward Bosque de Rio Tigre. Suzie2, I'll be very interested to hear whether your experience there matches Wildlowers.
Based on your comments, and the web site and guidebook descriptions, I am leaning seriously toward Bosque de Rio Tigre. Suzie2, I'll be very interested to hear whether your experience there matches Wildlowers.
Jan 30th, 2004, 11:50 AM
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Suzie, we used Marino Chacon again. He was very busy at that time as Melvin and another guide were not there. I am glad we sent them e-mail two days before arrival and booked our private tour with Marino. We also had Walter one afternoon. As you know he now runs a small lodge which is very inexpensive but we never got time to go there and check it out.
Jan 30th, 2004, 12:02 PM
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Ooops!Entered too early.
I wanted to add that we saw our first turquois cotinga from our balcony at Wilson.
Ask Liz and Abraham about "Birding taxi." This is how we saw all cotingas. It was amazing to see so many of them in one small area.
Suzie, we heard from one guide two years ago that Rara Avis has great birding but many people have unpleasant experiences there. This year we heard from one couple that Rara Avis was the best place in Costa Rica (food and wildlife). However, this couple also argued with another family in Wilson that it took only two hours on a public bus to get to Wilson from San Jose. I only know that it took us four hours from Savegre and we had a private transfer. Suzie, I know that you are leaving tomorrow but would love to hear about your experiences with Rara Avis as it is on our list but I trust your judgement and your long experiences in Costa Rica.
Molly, when are you planning on going?
I wanted to add that we saw our first turquois cotinga from our balcony at Wilson.
Ask Liz and Abraham about "Birding taxi." This is how we saw all cotingas. It was amazing to see so many of them in one small area.
Suzie, we heard from one guide two years ago that Rara Avis has great birding but many people have unpleasant experiences there. This year we heard from one couple that Rara Avis was the best place in Costa Rica (food and wildlife). However, this couple also argued with another family in Wilson that it took only two hours on a public bus to get to Wilson from San Jose. I only know that it took us four hours from Savegre and we had a private transfer. Suzie, I know that you are leaving tomorrow but would love to hear about your experiences with Rara Avis as it is on our list but I trust your judgement and your long experiences in Costa Rica.
Molly, when are you planning on going?
Jan 30th, 2004, 01:16 PM
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Wildflower, we plan to visit Costa Rica in late June. We don't really mind rain {hey, it's rain and cloudforest!}as long as it's not that cloudy, cold, never-ending depressing stuff! Have you been in the "green season"?
Suzie2, didn't realize you are leaving tomorrow. Can't wait to read your trip report!
Suzie2, didn't realize you are leaving tomorrow. Can't wait to read your trip report!
Jan 30th, 2004, 01:45 PM
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Dear Molly2,
I live in Costa Rica, and traveled like a "tourist" a couple of years ago in late May-early June. If you don't mind some rain - fear not! The rainy season is my favorite! Everything is so much greener and fresher, and it is not depressing at all!
Have a great trip! Let me know if I can help you with anything else. Write directly to my email if you want.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor
I live in Costa Rica, and traveled like a "tourist" a couple of years ago in late May-early June. If you don't mind some rain - fear not! The rainy season is my favorite! Everything is so much greener and fresher, and it is not depressing at all!
Have a great trip! Let me know if I can help you with anything else. Write directly to my email if you want.
Pura Vida,
Neta Talmor
Jan 31st, 2004, 03:52 AM
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Great thread, good information, Thanks.
I am most interested in Vista de Valle.This is the place Percy, from this board,stayed also.Which was your favorite room of those you have stayed in? Did you see any bugs ect. in the rooms? How expensive is the meals there? Want to get an idea for budgeting.Did you by chance use there guide service while there?
I am most interested in Vista de Valle.This is the place Percy, from this board,stayed also.Which was your favorite room of those you have stayed in? Did you see any bugs ect. in the rooms? How expensive is the meals there? Want to get an idea for budgeting.Did you by chance use there guide service while there?
Jan 31st, 2004, 04:04 AM
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Molly, we visited Costa Rica only twice and both times in January. Some trails are going to be probably too muddy and slippery but it seems that you are this kind of person who knows how to enjoy places regardless when you go so have a great time. If you would like to see some of my photos from Savegre let me know I will have them ready in a few days on webshots. Are you going to go directly to Osa from Savegre? That will be a long drive but be Savegre Lodge people will transfer you on time and in comfortable SUV or small van. We used them on both trips and they were always on time. We just love this place and people
Jan 31st, 2004, 04:16 AM
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Dottie, as you may noticed we stayed in Vista del Valle in January 2002 so our detailed memories of prices are not reliable at this point. If you e-mail them I am certain they will give you exact prices of all meals.
We never used their guide. We traveled to other destinations from Vista and stayed there only for one or two nights each time. My husband's favorite cabin was Mona Lisa but mine was Ceibo (least expensive) because of views. As to bugs some are there but nothing big and scary.
We never used their guide. We traveled to other destinations from Vista and stayed there only for one or two nights each time. My husband's favorite cabin was Mona Lisa but mine was Ceibo (least expensive) because of views. As to bugs some are there but nothing big and scary.
Jan 31st, 2004, 01:58 PM
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Wildflower, I would love to see your photos!
Yes, we will be going directly from the Savegre to Osa. How long a drive is it?
I'm sure the conditions won't be ideal at Savegre - not sure how many trails will be open for hiking/horsebackriding; this is a question I guess I'll need to ask them before I book. Thanks for the tip about booking bird tours there in advance.
I'm not sure what "bird taxis" are, but will be sure to ask!
Yes, we will be going directly from the Savegre to Osa. How long a drive is it?
I'm sure the conditions won't be ideal at Savegre - not sure how many trails will be open for hiking/horsebackriding; this is a question I guess I'll need to ask them before I book. Thanks for the tip about booking bird tours there in advance.
I'm not sure what "bird taxis" are, but will be sure to ask!
Feb 1st, 2004, 05:27 AM
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Molly, I won't go to any details about bird taxi but this option is only available when you stay at Bosque del Rio Tigre. Ask Liz about it when you get in touch with Bosque del Rio Tigre.
Because my photo album is private please e-mail me at [email protected] and I will send you a link to it when it?s ready.
I really don't know how long is drive to Osa. Maybe seven hours of torture on these roads once you get to Osa. If you are staying at Bosque del Rio Tigre make sure they know exact time when you are arriving because during "green season" the river may be too high to drive through so they would have to use a boat to get you there. During our two weeks in Costa Rica we had rain every afternoon so trails were muddy and slippery. We were glad we had our hiking boots. Only when we were in El Remanso we did not have rain but it was so humid there that it was very hard to function or focus on any activities. Anyway we had a great trip and both Savegre and Bosque del Rio Tigre were fantastic.
As to horseback riding in Savegre, I am not certain whether you are going to go on any steep trails maybe just on the road. They are very thoughtful about not damaging soil. Although they are working farm they do not have any cattle, horses or any other animals except one little dog (Ma-ya) we saw. They bring horses in when they need them for their guests. You can always go on the road along the river which is beautiful. If you book your tour with Marino he is very enthusiastic and knows where birds are. Susan used Melvin and he suppose to be great too.
Because my photo album is private please e-mail me at [email protected] and I will send you a link to it when it?s ready.
I really don't know how long is drive to Osa. Maybe seven hours of torture on these roads once you get to Osa. If you are staying at Bosque del Rio Tigre make sure they know exact time when you are arriving because during "green season" the river may be too high to drive through so they would have to use a boat to get you there. During our two weeks in Costa Rica we had rain every afternoon so trails were muddy and slippery. We were glad we had our hiking boots. Only when we were in El Remanso we did not have rain but it was so humid there that it was very hard to function or focus on any activities. Anyway we had a great trip and both Savegre and Bosque del Rio Tigre were fantastic.
As to horseback riding in Savegre, I am not certain whether you are going to go on any steep trails maybe just on the road. They are very thoughtful about not damaging soil. Although they are working farm they do not have any cattle, horses or any other animals except one little dog (Ma-ya) we saw. They bring horses in when they need them for their guests. You can always go on the road along the river which is beautiful. If you book your tour with Marino he is very enthusiastic and knows where birds are. Susan used Melvin and he suppose to be great too.
Feb 1st, 2004, 05:52 AM
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Molly, forgot to add that when you are booking your stay in Savegre if you don't like crowds do not book your stay there on weekends. Savegre is only two hours from San Jose and they have special prices for Ticos so many locals are there with kids. They arrive Friday afternoon and stay until Sunday afternoon. On the other hand meeting locals could be very intersting experience.
Feb 1st, 2004, 12:45 PM
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Wildflower, I tried twice to e-mail you, but it they got returned. I'll give it another whirl later.
Our tentative itinerary would have put us at Savegre over the weekend; based on what you said, we may tweek our plans - thanks. Unsure how much time to spend here, as the rainy season may limit our options. Still, I'm impresed that Savegre is concerned about protecting their land; they sound like good folks.
As far as the Osa, we are torn between Bosque de Rio Tigre {our first choice}, Punta Marenco, Poor Man's Paradise, or Marenco Beach and Rainforest Lodge. From your description, it can get opressively humid, so I wonder if being near the beach has its advantages.
Are you a birder? We are very amatuer bird-watchers, with a strong interest in nature, in general. My husband has had a life-long interest in butterflies, and would be excited to see a morpho!
Our tentative itinerary would have put us at Savegre over the weekend; based on what you said, we may tweek our plans - thanks. Unsure how much time to spend here, as the rainy season may limit our options. Still, I'm impresed that Savegre is concerned about protecting their land; they sound like good folks.
As far as the Osa, we are torn between Bosque de Rio Tigre {our first choice}, Punta Marenco, Poor Man's Paradise, or Marenco Beach and Rainforest Lodge. From your description, it can get opressively humid, so I wonder if being near the beach has its advantages.
Are you a birder? We are very amatuer bird-watchers, with a strong interest in nature, in general. My husband has had a life-long interest in butterflies, and would be excited to see a morpho!
